She felt that for to-day at least Walter was safe, and by to-morrow he would be safe out of the neighbourhood.

But she reflected that it was necessary to say something; that if she appeared to receive the news too indifferently the squire's suspicions might be aroused with fatal results.
"It is a terrible thing," she said presently.

"You see I am not at all myself." It was not easy for her to act a part.

The words were commonplace.
"No," said Mr.Juxon, "I see you are not." He on his part, instead of looking for a stronger expression of fear or astonishment, was now only too glad that she should be so calm.
"Would you advise me to do anything ?" she asked presently.
"There is nothing to be done," he answered quickly, glad of a chance to relieve the embarrassment of the situation.

"Of course we might put you under the protection of the police but--what is the matter, Mrs.
Goddard ?" She had started as though in pain.
"Only this dreadful headache," she said.